Highest respect

To the Editor:

When I left the position of McHenry County Board chairman in 2004, I was replaced by Ken Koehler, who just finished his first term on the County Board. Ken took the reins at a particularly critical time. Since then, McHenry County has become a financially sound and secure county with a bond rating higher than any other county in the nation of its size. During his tenure, he also has overseen the implementation of significant road improvements that have benefited every county resident.

While board members sometimes respectfully disagree, an equal balance of power has led to a majority-rule standard that has served the county and its residents very well. It sickens me to read the attacks in this forum about a man who has given his all to community and public service.

While the position of chairman obviously makes him a target for criticism, I would encourage people to look at some of our nearby counties and the problems they have. I personally have nothing but the highest respect for my friend and colleague, Ken Koehler, and think he has done a great job leading this county through some very difficult times.